AK-47

The AK-47 is a selective-fire (semi-automatic and automatic), gas-operated 7.62x39mm assault rifle, developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov. It is officially known in the Soviet documentation as 'Avtomat Kalashnikova' (Russian: Автомат Калашникова). Even after seven decades, the model and its variants remain the most popular and widely used assault rifles in the world because of their substantial, outstanding reliability under harsh conditions, low production costs compared to contemporary Western weapons, availability in virtually every geographic region and ease of use. These factors led the AK-47 to be named the "greatest combat rifle of all time" by the Military Channel. The AK-47 has been manufactured in many countries and has seen service with armed forces as well as irregular forces worldwide, and was the basis for developing many other types of individual and crew-served firearms. As of 2004, out of the estimated 500 million firearms worldwide, approximately 100 million belong to the Kalashnikov family, three-quarters of which are AK-47s.

NOTE: Please keep in mind that while "AK-47" is often a catch-all term for 7.62x39mm Kalashnikov rifles, most so-called "AK-47s" in movies - particularly American movies - are actually either Egyptian Maadi ARM copies of the highly improved AKM, or variants of the Chinese Norinco Type 56. Please check carefully to make sure that the rifle in question is a true AK-47 and not an AKM or a Chinese Type 56. When in doubt, it is probably safer to assume AKM or Type 56.

ALSO NOTE: Since the 70s, AK-74 and its update AK-74M was a standard-issue assault rifle of Russian armed forces. Therefore, all fictional depictions of 7.62x39 AK variants as modern standard-issue Russian military weapon should be considered an anachronism until proven otherwise (for example, some special forces operators and front line soldiers have been known to arm themselves with available 7.62x39 AK rifles and light machine guns as a matter of personal choice).

The AK-47 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Soviet/Russian Versions

AK-47

Type I AK-47, early stamped receiver with prototype slab sided magazine - 7.62x39mm. While it was intended for the AK to use all stamped parts for cost reasons, the Soviet metalworking industry was simply not ready to do this at the time, and the high rejection rate of the early stamped AK receivers led to a switch to milling that lasted until the introduction of the AKM.

Final Production version of the Type III AK-47 with laminated stock - 7.62x39mm

Poly Technologies AK-47 - 7.62x39mm. This is the commercial clone of the original Type III AK-47 and is the most used in American films and shows when showing the milled receiver AK-47

Authentic Type III milled AK-47 built from US Receiver - 7.62x39mm. This is an Actual Screen used AK-47 from the film We Were Soldiers (built by Cinema Weaponry)

It is noteworthy that the U.S. government had a ban on all weapons imported from Warsaw Pact nations during the Cold War years (1947-1989). Communist nations which were not part of the Warsaw pact, such as Yugoslavia and Mainland China, were allowed to negotiate trade agreements with the U.S., thus the influx of Chinese AK type rifles and Yugoslavian AKs (Zastava). The Maadi ARMs (the US version of the MISR) were allowed because Egypt was never a Communist country nor a member of the Warsaw Pact. But, as a result of this, virtually no U.S. movie has a real original AK-47 prior to a certain date. The exceptions are, custom build ups after the mid 1990s when original AK-47 rifle kits were available (as was done on We Were Soldiers, using original blueprints and US-made milled receivers), and movies filmed overseas where foreign movie armorers had no such restrictions. This is particularly true for films made in Israel and some parts of Europe. This is not the case now, with the current crop of films made outside the U.S., mostly in the newly democratic Eastern European nations (Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Poland, Czech Republic, etc.) However, Russia has firmly blocked the export of their old AK-47 surplus guns outside of the country, having distributed most of them to client nations and guerrillas throughout the world in the previous five decades. So the AK-47 one 'thinks' one sees may very well be a Poly Technologies Legend series AK (from China) or another AK Variant.

NOTE: while the English-speaking tradition is to call the Russian 7.62x39 assault rifle by Mikhail Kalashnikov "AK-47", its official nomenclature is and always has been AK/AKM, without any numbers added to it. The AK-74 and its variants were the first to include the year in its original naming. Usage of "AK-47" in Russian sources refer only to the earliest prototypes, which were indeed named AK-47.

AKM

AKM is the improved version of the AK-47, featuring a number of refinements such as a stamped receiver (as opposed to the milled receiver of the original Type II and Type III AK-47), a slant compensator on the tip of the barrel (to reduce recoil), an improved gas tube (without vents), and use of lighter materials to reduce weight and simplify construction.

Most of the AKMs seen in Hollywood movies are actually Egyptian Maadi MISR copies, which were sold in the U.S. as the ARM in the 1980s - such weapons were first procured by Stembridge Gun Rentals for Red Dawn and subsequently re-used in numerous other motion pictures. The Maadi is almost identical to the original Soviet-built AKM, save for the markings, and is nearly impossible to tell apart.

NOTE: while the English-speaking tradition is to call any Russian 7.62x39 assault rifle by Mikhail Kalashnikov "AK-47", its official nomenclature is in fact was always AK\AKM, without 47 added to it. The AK-74 and all its variants, though, include the year in its original naming.

AKMS

Basically the same as the AKM, but the rear-trunion is altered with a swiveling mechanism to allow for the under-folding stock. The AKMS nomenclature also indicates that the rifle is not a milled receiver variant and has the AKM style of gas block, top cover, barrel assembly, front sight, and appropriate forearm furniture.

Foreign Copies & Derivatives

Norinco Type 56

Norinco Type 56, milled receiver without the under-folding ("pig sticker") bayonet - 7.62x39mm. This is the "sanitized" (M22-code) export version made with no factory markings and the selector markings in the latin alphabet (L for full-auto and D for semi-auto).

Norinco Type 56 (Imported into the U.S. as the Norinco AKS-47 or AKS-47 Sporter) - 7.62x39mm. Rather than having the underfolder pig sticker Bayonet assembly, this has the standard Bayonet lug underneath the gas block as the AKM and later variants.

The Chinese Type 56 assault rifle (manufactured by China North Industries Corporation, or Norinco) is by far the most commonly-seen AK derivative utilized in Hollywood productions, both film and television. These are frequently seen used as a substitute for Russian AKs in many films, as the Russians never sold a civilian AK model in the U.S. (or Europe) during the latter half of the 20th century. Most of the movie prop rental houses in Hollywood had dozens if not hundreds of Chinese AKs - mostly the Type 56s (7.62x39mm version) or the similar Type 84s (5.56x45mm version). These were usually semi-automatic civilian versions (commonly designated "AK47S" or "AKS47" by the importers), in many cases converted to full-auto by Class III manufacturers.

There are three main variants of the Type 56 - the standard Type 56, which has a fixed stock, the Type 56-1, which has an under-folding stock, and the Type 56-2, which has a side-folding stock. Most fixed-stock Type 56 rifles have an under-folding spike bayonet, known as the "pig sticker"; this rifle is often seen in movies about the Vietnam War, and is correct for NVA throughout most of the conflict. Quite a few of the Type 56s seen in movies also have AKM-style slant compensators fitted; this was a common feature on semi-auto Type 56s exported to the U.S., but NOT the full-auto military model.

The easiest way to tell when an AK-type rifle seen in a movie or TV show is a Chinese Type 56 is by looking at the front sight; Chinese AKs have a distinctive full-circle ("hooded") front sight that no other AKs (excluding the Romanian AK Draco carbines) have.

Norinco Type 84S

Norinco Type 84S - 5.56x45mm

Norinco Type 84S-1 Underfolder Model with 16" barrel - 5.56x45mm

Norinco Type 84S "Target" Rifle - 5.56x45mm. Basically a standard Norinco Type 84S with a slightly longer barrel. This variant was ready for market just as the 1989 US import ban was implemented, so it is mostly seen in Canada. It has an 18.5" barrel and was very rarely seen in the U.S. Gun market.

Norinco Type 84S-1 "Match" Rifle - 5.56x45mm. Norinco was stuck sitting on a pile of 21" RPK barrels chambered for 5.56mm when the door slammed shut on U.S. imports in 1989. Norinco saved money by mating their 21" long RPK-style barrels to their stockpile of 84S Folding Stock receiver bodies and thus exported the Type 84S Match to countries such as Canada and Australia. Canada would suffer their own import ban on 'frightening looking guns' in 1995. Australian gun owners would suffer such a fate in 1997.

The Type 84 rifle is nearly identical to the Chinese Type 56 (seen above), but it is chambered in 5.56x45mm /.223 Remington and manufactured entirely for export. The civilian variants are known as Type 84S, and are semi-automatic only (full auto Type 84s are far rarer than the Type 84S though). It is often seen impersonating the AK-74 in movies and TV shows (particularly Stargate: SG1, where it is carried by Russian SG teams).

The Type 84 was exported and sold with an AK birdcage flash hider and had a deep polished factory blue. Several other variants of the 84S Rifle (that are mostly unfamiliar to American Gun Owners) were victims of the 1989 Import Ban that barred most new 'assault rifles' from entering the United States. These rifles were thus mostly exported to Canada and Australia, and as a result, appeared in television shows or movies that were filmed in those countries. Listed here are two of the variants seen in Canadian or Australian television (the Target and the Match versions). If it were not for Canadian or Australian movie armorers, most Americans would never have known these variants existed.

Anime

Norinco MAK-90

Norinco MAK-90 - 7.62x39mm

"Post-ban" version of the Norinco Type 56, made for import for use as a civilian sporting rifle. As such, the MAK-1990 was manufactured in semi-automatic mode only, the rear sight was ground down and the bayonet lugs were ground off. Most rifles are fitted with a 'thumbhole' stock and were manufactured with both milled and stamped receivers. Originally, these rifles were sold for around $180 and were looked down on as "cheap" rifles, but have since been regarded as fine rifles and have gone up in price greatly.

Specifications

(1990 - 1994)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Weight: 8.3 lbs (3.7 kg)

Length: 35.1 in (89.2 cm)

Barrel length: 16.3 in (41.5 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto

The Norinco MAK-90 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Video Games

Zastava M70

Zastava M70B1 fixed stock rifle - 7.62x39mm

Zastava M70AB2 folding stock rifle - 7.62x39mm

Zastava M70AB2 folding stock rifle - 7.62x39mm (non-standard pistol grip). The military version of the M70AB2 underfolder rifle has a black plastic pistol grip as seen in the image above. However all of the Zastava M70AB2 rifles imported in the U.S. by Mitchell Arms had the wooden pistol grip seen in this photo. So a wooden pistol grip is indicative of a 'Mitchell Arms' rifle.

The Zastava M70 was the Yugoslavian variant of the Russian AK-47 (later AKM), however, it utilized a strengthened lower receiver, more akin to the RPK than the AK-47/AKM. It also has other design variations which make it immediately recognizable from its Russian cousin. M70 has grenade launcher sights (see talk page for detailed images) that when raised cut off gas flow to the piston allowing use of blanks for grenade launching; the rear trunion has a plunger to lock the receiver cover to prevent loss when used with a grenade launcher. Flip-up sights are standard equipment for optional night use: two dot rear and one dot front filled with phosphorescent material. M70 magazines are standard AK-47 type, but have a follower that blocks the bolt open when empty (much like the 30 round M1 Carbine magazine follower). The forearm is distinctly longer and has 3 cooling vents.

Some of the variants also have finned barrels to aid in heat dispersion. It was made by Zavodi Crvena Zastava (Red Banner Plant), now Zastava Oružje / Zastava Arms in a Yugoslavian (now Serbian) city of Kragujevac.

It was most widely used and seen in the Wars in the 1990s of the former Yugoslavian republics - Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro (Slovenia and Macedonia were not a major combatants in the fighting). Yugoslavia also sold them to many countries such as Iraq (which produced a licensed copy known as the Tabuk, which lacked the grenade-launching sight) and Kuwait.

Video Games

Zastava M85

Zastava M85 - 5.56x45mm NATO

The Zastava M85 is a compact carbine manufactured by the Yugoslavian Zastava company, similar to the AKS-74U, albeit in 5.56x45mm NATO, with an underfolding stock instead of a side-folder, and a three-holed handguard.

Specifications

Type: Carbine

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO

Weight: 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)

Length: 31.5 in (80 cm), 21.3 in (54 cm) (stock folded)

Barrel length: 10 in (25.4 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The Zastava M85 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Video Games

Zastava M21

Zastava M21S - 5.56x45mm

The Zastava M21 is a family of modern 5.56x45mm firearms developed by Zastava Arms as a replacement for the older M70 series of rifles. The M21 is currently the standard service rifle of the Serbian military, and is also used by security services in Bosnia-Herzgovina, Iraq and Cameroon.

The Zastava M21 is produced in the following variants:

M21 A - standard full-length rifle (M21 ABS includes picatinny rail system for the mounting of attachments).

M21 S - compact short-barrelled variant of the M21 (M21 SBS includes picatinny rail system for the mounting of attachments).

AIM/AIMS

PM md. 65 with cleaning rod removed - 7.62x39mm. An early version of the AIMS with an underfolding stock and inward curved grip.

AIMS - 7.62x39mm

AIMS with 75-round drum magazine - 7.62x39mm

The AIM and the AIMS are the export names for the Romanian clones of the AKM and AKMS, PM md. 63 and PM md. 65, identifiable by the vertical foregrip integrated into the handguard. The AIMS originally had a conventional under-folding stock and the grip curving inwards at a convex angle. This was eventually replaced by a version which had a side-folding stock (copied from the East German MPi-KMS), as shown here.

AIMR - 5.56x45mm. The original Romanian designation for this rifle is the PA md. 97 cu țeavă scurtă (short barrelled).

Romanian AK Draco Pistol - 7.62x39mm. This is a US import variant of the AIMR and can be identified by its lack of a stock, a plain handguard without palmswell and 2 position selector switch.

Romanian AK Draco Carbine - 7.62x39mm. This is a Draco pistol fitted with an AIMS folding stock to replicate the original AIMR, however it still lacks the palmswell hanguard and 3 position selector switch.

AK Draco 9mm Carbine - 9x19mm.

Romanian AK Micro Draco Pistol - 7.62x39mm

AIMR is the collective export designation for a series of Romanian carbines based on the AIMS. The majority feature the distinctive side folding AIMS stock and a straight AKM type handguard (the exception being the first model PM md. 80 which has a unique folding stock and an AIM style vertical grip handguard), and all have a 12 inch barrel with the front sight mounted directly to the gas block. They are fitted with barrel threads onto which can be fitted either a standard barrel nut, or a unique birdcage flash hider.

A variant of the AIMR with smooth handguards and the stock removed chambered in 7.62x39mm or 5.56x45mm was imported into the US as the "Champion Pistol". Later the designation of "Draco Pistol" was given to 7.62x39mm weapons, with "Champion Pistol" now referring to only 5.56x45mm weapons.

Specifications

(1980 - Present)

Type: Carbine

Caliber: 7.62x39mm, 5.45x39mm or 5.56x45mm

Barrel length: 12 in (30.5 cm)

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The AIMR Carbine and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Anime

Romanian WASR

WASR-2 - 5.45x39mm

WASR-3 - 5.56x45mm

WASR 10/63 - 7.62x39mm

The Wassenaar Arrangement Semiautomatic Rifles (WASR) are semi-automatic versions of the Romanian PM md. 63 with stamped receivers, intended for the United States market. Although originally constructed from older surplus spare parts for Romanian military AKs, newer WASRs are built from newer parts, some of which are American-made to comply with import restrictions. Although originally constructed with a single stack magazine well to comply with American import restrictions, once the rifles are imported into the United States, distributors cut out the magazine well to allow traditional double stack AK magazines. There are a number of different variants chambered in different calibers; 7.62x39mm (WASR-10), 5.45x39mm (WASR-2), and 5.56x45mm (WASR-3). A WASR can easily be spotted in a film by its distinctive stamped receiver that does not contain the standard AK dimples.

MPi-KM/MPi-KMS-72

MPi-KM-72 - 7.62x39mm. This was the transitional MPi-KM-72 that still used the wooden lower hand grip from the MPi-KM. These were common from 1965-1972. The side folding stock was not widely distributed until 1973.

MPi-KM-72 - 7.62x39mm

MPi-KMS-72 - 7.62x39mm

The MPi-KM/MPi-KMS-72 are East German license-manufactured versions of the AKM/AKMS. Early versions of the rifles had wooden furniture, but later models have distinctive stippled brown buttstocks and pistol grips. The MPi-KMS also has a side folding single strut "coat hanger" stock, a feature which is shared with the Romanian AIMS rifle. After the German reunification, all variants of the MPi were removed from service, with most rifles being sold as surplus to the militaries of such countries as Finland and Turkey.

Note: The chance of seeing a 100% original East German MPi-K series of rifle in a movie or television show is extremely unlikely. Most of the "East German" AKs that are seen in visual media are regular AKMs using East German Parts kits.

Television

AKM-63/AMD-65

AKM-63 - 7.62x39mm

AMD-65 - 7.62x39mm

AMD-65 with wood furniture - 7.62x39mm

The AKM-63 and AMD-65 (Automata Módosított Deszantfegyver; loosely "Automatic Modified Paratrooper Weapon") are Hungarian variants of the AK-47, manufactured by FÉG. Hungary originally adopted a domestically manufactured milled receiver AK as the AK-55. In the early 60s, the Hungarian Army decided to modernize their rifles into the AKM-63. The AKM-63 featured a distinctive perforated sheet metal handguard, a stamped receiver, a foregrip, and was manufactured in either wood or polymer furniture. The AKM-63 was further modified into the AMD-65 in 1965, which was a compact version with a shorter barrel and side folding stock, intended for paratroopers and vehicle crews. The AMD-65 is the most famous variant of the Hungarian AKs.

AMM/AMMS

AMMS - 7.62x39mm

SA-85M - 7.62x39mm

FEG SA-85 Underfolder - 7.62x39mm

In the late 1970s, the Hungarian government decided to improve and develop a new rifle for simplification, unification with their allies, and exportability. The confusingly-named AK-63 was adopted in 1977 as the standard Hungarian infantry rifle. Two versions of the AK-63 were produced, the AK-63F with a fixed stock, and the AK-63D with an underfolding stock. The two weapons were adopted as the AMM and AMMS (spelt AMMSz in Hungarian) respectively. Another variant, the AK-63MF, was a modernized version of the AK-63D with telescopic stock and Picatinny rail. A rare semi-auto only version of the AK-63F, known as the SA-85M, was made for export to the lucrative US civilian market, which was affected by the 1989 ban.

The Hungarian AK-63 is almost completely identical to the Soviet AKM. The main differences between the two is that the AK-63 rifles retains the distinctive straight pistol grip of the AKM-63, and that the handguard of the AK-63 lacks the palm swells of the Soviet AKM. The wood also has has a bright, laminated blond finish like the AKM-63.

Television

FÉG NGM-81

FÉG NGM-81 with original PKM style flash hider - 5.56x45mm

The Hungarian FÉG NGM-81 was a domestic rifle based on the indigenous Hungarian AK, but built for export. For that reason, it was chambered in 5.56x45mm, though some 5.45x39mm variants exist. The Rifle was built between 1981-1990. The original rifles were only offered with a fixed butt and a wooden fore-end, made in the same Hungarian Blonde wood as the SA-85M export rifle. The folding stock version of this rifle was called the NGV-81.

Due to Cold War prohibitions against Combloc weapons within the U.S. (except those exempted by treaty), the vast majority of the export NGM-81 rifles went to Europe and Africa. Most versions omit the large PKM style flash hider, opting instead for the standard AK-47 style muzzle nut. The FÉG NGM rifle was noteworthy in that it kept the AK-47/Type 56 style of gas block system, with the gas relief holes in the gas tube, not the gas block (as is the case with the AKM and later style rifles). The Gas block itself and the front sight is the AKM style in shape and the rifle takes a Hungarian stamped metal 5.56mm magazine similar but not identical to the Wieger style AK magazine.

The Arsenal AR is the name given to the Bulgarian manufactured AK clone (Built by the Bulgaria gunmaker ARSENAL JSCo.). These modern day copies of the AK-47 have milled receivers and are chambered in 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm in various configurations. As time goes on, Arsenal JSCo. builds more variants for export as civilian, military and law enforcement models.

Specifications

(2000 - Present)

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x39mm, 5.45x39mm

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The Bulgarian Arsenal AR and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

AKU-94

Maadi ARM in AKU-94 bullpup kit - 7.62x39mm

AK variant in AKU-94 bullpup kit with polymer magazine - 7.62x39mm

The AKU-94 is a bullpup conversion kit (built and originally sold as a kit by K-VAR) for the AK type rifle, Both the European style AKs (like the Romanian AKs or Egyptian Maadis) and the Chinese style of AK rifle (Type 56) can fit into the kit. In the Mid-2000s, KVAR stopped making and selling the AKU-94 conversion kit. All remaining kits were purchased by Century Arms International, and subsequently used to 'spruce up' AK rifles with a futuristic bullpup look. Currently various imported AK rifles (mostly WASRs) with kit installed, is sold by Century Arms International. This bullpup configuration retains the standard barrel length but the design makes the AK rifle more compact making it more suitable for close quarters battle.

Specifications

( - )

Type: Assault Rifle

Caliber: 7.62x39mm

Feed System: 30-round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto

The AKU-94 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Video Games

"AKMSU"

"AKMSU" in the National Firearms Centre, with thumbhole foregrip and an AKMS-style stock, fitted with a bakelite magazine - 7.62x39mm. This model has a muzzle brake containing an expansion chamber, required for the correct cycling.

Converted AKM pistol - 7.62x39mm. This is a blank adapted full auto transferable AKM pistol that was converted into a Krinkov via parts kit. Guns just like this one have been used in Tropic Thunder, Three Kings, and numerous other movies and TV shows.

Converted AKM pistol with RIS handguard - 7.62x39mm

Chopped and shortened version of the AKM in the same vein as the AKS-74U. The weapon is very rare, and the origin of the weapon is very strongly disputed. Some sources describe the weapon as a rare prototype carbine intended for Russian airborne troops, before being found to be inconvenient to use and phased out by the AKS-74U. Other sources, including most Russian sources, say the weapon does not exist, never made in any capacity by the Soviet Union, and any chopped and shortened AKM carbines are foreign-made custom models.

One alleged genuine AKMSU is in the possession of National Firearms Centre (of the Royal Armouries) in Leeds, United Kingdom, gifted to them in 2005 by UK's MOD Pattern Room; the Pattern Room received the weapon in June 1986. This model is identified to have been a custom model made from a Type 56 receiver and AKS-74U parts (with the rivet positions at the rear of the receiver being one telling sign that it is originally a Type 56), and is often cited as originating from the Khyber Pass. Given that the only alleged genuine AKMSU is conclusively identified as a custom model, no genuine Russian AKMSUs are known to exist, supporting the idea that the term does not describe a production weapon.

The name AKMSU is regularly cited as "Автомат Калашникова Mодернизированный Складной Укороченный", or "Kalashnikov's shortened modernized assault rifle with a folding stock". The origin of the name "AKMSU" is ultimately uncertain, due to Russian sources disowning the weapon. It was believed that the name was first attached to the National Firearms Centre model, being spread through firearm encyclopedias and airsoft replicas.

Despite the muddied history of the "genuine AKMSU", AKMSU-like firearms (i.e. 7.62x39mm AK derivatives resembling the AKS-74U in overall form) do exist as production weapons outside of Russia. The Bulgarian Arsenal AR-SF, Romanian AIMR, and Yugoslavian/Serbian Zastava M92 all fit the description to some extent.

On IMFDB, "AKMSU" currently designates custom modified AKM carbines that exist in recognizable quantities in Hollywood productions, such as Three Kings, Tropic Thunder, Bad Boys II, etc. These are full-size AK variants that have been converted with Krinkov parts kits; many feature side-folding AKS-74U-style stocks.

AK-Alfa

The AK-Alfa is a modernized version of the AK design made by Kalashnikov USA/Israel (CAA). Of note is that the core of the AK-Alfa design is actually based on the Saiga rifle series, a semi-automatic rifle series based on the AK design.

Video Games

Firing Replicas of the AK-47

Bollywood Replica AK-47

Commonly seen in Bollywood productions due to Indian firearms restrictions, these replica AK-47s are designed to fire blank ammunition and are most likely custom fabricated by Indian armorers. Virtually all "AK-47s" seen in Bollywood movies (excepting films made with the help of the Indian military) will be such blank-firing replicas.

Film

Non-Firing Replicas of the AK-47

Hudson AK-47

The most common of all movie AK-47s in scenes where a real firearm was not used, is the all metal Japanese "Hudson AK-47". Hudson, a replica gun company like Model Gun Corp. (MGC) made many metal replicas in the 1970s and 1980s.

Hudson AK-47, a Japanese Replica firearm based on the original Type III AK-47, seen here with AKS-style underfolding stock